5 Moves Every Sustainability Leader Must Nail in 2025

Key Impact Points

• Companies face shifting regulations, rising stakeholder expectations, and emerging disclosure demands in 2025.
• Scope 3 emissions, supply chain engagement, and voluntary carbon markets are top priorities for credible climate strategies.
• AI-related emissions tracking is emerging as a new frontier for sustainability reporting.

1. ESG Under Pressure — But Commitment Matters

Corporate sustainability leaders know implementing effective carbon transition plans is no easy task — yet it has never been more important. Building realistic and actionable processes is vital to meeting disclosure standards, delivering on corporate commitments, and creating tangible business value.

At a recent Marex panel event, sustainability officers explored how to stay ahead of changing regulations, deliver on commitments, and future‑proof transition plans.

While ESG has been under political attack, companies should see the current regulatory reassessment across the EU, UK, and US as a chance to recalibrate — not retreat. Obligations remain in place, and stakeholders still demand credible climate action. Those who remain committed will stand out as others pause or pivot.

2. Engage Across the Supply Chain

Most corporate emissions come from Scope 3 — often in the supply chain. Sustainability officers cannot create accurate decarbonisation plans without understanding upstream and downstream carbon exposure.

Direct engagement with top suppliers and partners is key. The responsibility is mutual: just as companies assess supplier emissions, clients and partners increasingly expect transparency on your footprint.

3. Scope 3 Rules Are Coming — Prepare Now

Historically, disclosure rules have focused on Scope 1 and 2 emissions. But Scope 3 is gaining regulatory attention and may soon be mandatory.

Because Scope 3 is hardest to measure and control, companies should focus on the most material categories. Investing in monitoring, measuring, and managing these emissions now will future‑proof compliance and position companies ahead of regulatory changes.

4. Go Beyond Decarbonisation — Use the Voluntary Carbon Market

Some emissions are impossible to abate. High‑integrity voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) can help offset these residuals.

Carbon removal credits are in high demand and increasingly expensive. Large buyers secure them through long‑term contracts, leaving fewer available in the open market. A well‑defined procurement strategy is essential to secure high‑quality credits at the best prices as VCM standards and prices evolve.

5. Track AI’s Carbon Footprint

Artificial intelligence is now embedded in daily operations — and with it comes a carbon footprint. While disclosure of AI emissions is not yet mandated, methodologies are emerging.

Forward‑thinking companies are testing early‑stage tools to quantify AI‑related emissions now, ensuring they’re ready if disclosure rules or supply chain expectations require it.

The Bottom Line

ESG may face headwinds, but regulatory obligations, stakeholder pressure, and new disclosure demands aren’t going away. Sustainability leaders who anticipate Scope 3 and AI emissions, engage across the supply chain, and balance high‑integrity decarbonisation with targeted offsets will be best placed to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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